Shilo Sanders is carving his own path at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie minicamp, even as his younger brother, Shedeur, commands a larger share of the spotlight. The elder Sanders sibling is focused on making a strong impression on his coaches and demonstrating his value to the team.
Sanders, who signed with the Buccaneers, a team looking to bolster their secondary ahead of the 2025 season, aims to secure a coveted spot on the 53-man roster by the time Week 1 rolls around. While the intensity of training camp is still a few months away, he has already begun to make a positive impression on head coach Todd Bowles.
Bowles acknowledged Sanders’ intelligence and communication skills. He highlighted Sanders’ ability to grasp the team’s strategies quickly, noting that he was one of a few rookies who stood out in this regard. Bowles emphasized the importance of translating knowledge into tangible plays on the field, particularly during padded practices. He stated that consistent improvement and execution were key to earning a spot on the team.
Sanders understands the value of positive media relations. He made a point of shaking hands with every member of the media present during his availability. He expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to join the Buccaneers and praised the supportive environment fostered by the coaching staff. He believes that the coaches are genuinely invested in the success of every player and that the team atmosphere is conducive to growth.
Sanders’ new teammates have also been impressed by his abilities. Third-round pick Jacob Parrish spoke highly of Sanders’ intelligence and willingness to help him with the team’s adjustments. Parrish expressed his enthusiasm for working alongside Sanders.
As a defensive back, Sanders inevitably draws comparisons to his Hall of Fame father, Deion Sanders. However, the 25-year-old is determined to prove himself through hard work and dedication. He expressed his gratitude to the Buccaneers for giving him an opportunity to showcase his skills and contribute to the team’s success.
Sanders emphasized his commitment to doing everything in his power to help the Buccaneers win. He acknowledged that the team provided him with an opportunity that others did not, and he feels a deep sense of gratitude towards the organization.
With Antoine Winfield Jr. firmly entrenched as a Pro Bowl safety on Bowles’ defense, the free safety position appears to be the most attainable starting role for Sanders. However, Sanders also recognizes the importance of depth in a successful secondary. He understands that players who excel on special teams are valuable assets to any team.
Sanders believes that his ability to force turnovers will set him apart from his competitors. He highlighted his knack for creating fumbles and interceptions throughout his career. He emphasized that his primary goal on defense is to regain possession of the ball for the offense.
He stated that his career has been defined by his ability to create turnovers, whether through forced fumbles or interceptions. He believes that generating turnovers is the fundamental objective of playing defense, as it provides the offense with opportunities to score.
The Buccaneers’ need for secondary help entering the 2025 season presents Sanders with a significant opportunity to make an impact. His intelligence, communication skills, and ability to force turnovers could make him a valuable addition to the team’s defense. He has the potential to contribute on both defense and special teams.
Sanders faces a challenging task in securing a roster spot, but he is determined to prove himself to his coaches and teammates. His work ethic, positive attitude, and desire to win should serve him well as he competes for a place on the Buccaneers’ roster.
The coming months will be crucial for Sanders as he navigates the challenges of training camp and preseason games. He will need to consistently demonstrate his ability to execute the team’s defensive schemes and make plays on the field. He will have to display exceptional performance on special teams to stand out.
If Sanders can continue to impress his coaches and teammates, he will have a strong chance of making the 53-man roster and contributing to the Buccaneers’ success in the 2025 season.
His journey will be one to watch. As he strives to make his own name in the NFL, while following in his father’s footsteps, and alongside his brother, he will need to impress to make his own mark.
His goal is to get on the roster and perform to his utmost ability. With the right plays and effort, he may get his chance in the NFL. His coaches seem to have faith in him and that may be the key to his success. He just needs to keep that faith and confidence in himself to achieve that success.
